FPU--One year later

It's been one year since we started our debt reduction program following Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

In that years time we have paid off 31,400.00 dollars of our debt.

We still have a ways to go but are continuing to diligently work at it.

For the first five months we had no budget for eating out. Then in August we added in a budget. Actually, for the first five months, we didn't spend any money we didn't need to. No shopping trips, no yarn, no wood and no eating out. But we made it through and our budget is looking good.

We now have a plan that will get us completely out of debt within six years! That is including our house!

We have paid off a credit card, a home equity line of credit, and a vehicle one year early. We are working on a second credit card.

We are very excited to continue on this path.

Memory Verse Week 13

Proverbs 8:10-11 (New King James Version)

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 For wisdom is better than rubies,
And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

Memorial blanket

This blanket is for a woman who lost her full term baby girl to a spinal defect.

It's made with Homespun Baby in Soft Violet.

It is 16 x 18.

Sing to the King

Sing to the King Who is coming to reign
Glory to Jesus, the Lamb that was slain
Life and salvation His empire shall bring
And joy to the nations when Jesus is King

Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus
He is all we need
Lift up a heart of praise
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus
Sing to the King

For His returning we watch and we pray
We will be ready the dawn of that day
We'll join in singing with all the redeemed
'Cause Satan is vanquished and my Jesus is King

Thankful Thursday

Today I am Thankful for:

* a clean house
* a full pantry
* my family
* my freedom
* my friends

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Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Washing Machine PSA----

I've learned a few things about my washing machine.

I have a front loader but most of these ideas will work with a top loader too.

*You only need to use about a quarter of the amount of detergent that the manufacturer suggests. I use ONE TABLESPOON of powder detergent in my loads.

*If you use liquid fabric softener, you should dilute it first.

*You should run at least one Hot cycle a week.

*You need to leave the door open after use to dry out.

*You need to remove the dispenser to dry out after use.

My machine needed some fixing. I called and the same day the guy came out. He also ran something through my washer because I had a huge detergent buildup in my washer which was causing odor issues. But it really wasn't all just the detergent build-up.

I couldn't believe when he told me to use only one quarter of the detergent I was using and to keep every thing open after use to air out, otherwise mold and fungus can grow.

I also washed my clothes and towels without any detergent for one cycle. I was surprised to see that I didn't need any because my clothes and towels were full of soap!!

The guy also told me to use at least a cup of bleach on hot at least once a month. I do that too to keep the icky stuff from growing but apparently that was not enough.

I heard a commercial on the radio for something called "Smelly Washer".

Go to This for more info and This site to order.

So, I am confident that after doing this that my washer will not have any odor anymore and my clothes and towels will smell good!!

I remember my top loader smelling even when I cleaned it and left it open to air dry after use.

I highly recommend this product!!

Memory Verse Week 12

Proverbs 7:2 (New King James Version)

2 Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.

March Blanket

I've made a blanket just like this one before, except a little longer.

This is made with Bernat Cotton Tots cotton yarn. I love working with cotton yarn and it makes a nice blanket.

This blanket is 30 x 42.

Vernal Equinox

Today marks the first day of Spring!! I am glad winter is over!

Here is some info about the vernal equinox.

The March equinox will occur on March 20 in 2009, marking the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and fall (autumn) in the southern hemisphere from an astronomical viewpoint. The March equinox will occur at 11:44am.

Twice a year, around March 20 or 21 and September 22 or 23, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night are nearly equal in all parts of the world. These two days are known as the March(vernal or spring in the northern hemisphere) equinox and the September equinox.

The word “equinox” derives from the Latin words meaning “equal night” and refers to the time when the sun crosses the equator. At such times, day and night are everywhere of nearly equal length everywhere in the world.

A Greek astronomer and mathematician named Hipparchus (ca. 190-ca.120 BCE) was known for discovering the precession of the equinoxes, the slow movement among the stars of the two opposite places where the sun crosses the celestial equator. Hipparchus made observations of the equinox and solstice.

Thankful Thursday

It is a beautiful day here today.

This week I am Thankful for:

*internet friends
*my family
*my little guy who makes me laugh
*Star Wars movies
*Beautiful sunny days--spring is here!!
*For my faith
*for God's grace and mercy

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Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

March Blanket

A bee blanket?? Yes. My daughter has some friends that are having a baby and they are decorating with a bee theme. It goes with their last name somehow.

This blanket it made with Red Heart black and bright yellow. It is 30 x 32.

I hope they like it.

Spring!!!

Though it's actually more like a month or so before I see tulips, I think spring has finally arrived here!!

The ground is still frozen, and will be for some time but it is 65 degrees right now.
Yesterday it was in the 50's!

We have a river out back for the second time this year and the dogs were on the boardwalk/sidewalk sunning themselves!!

The yard is a mess now that most of the snow is gone, but it is warm and sunny out.

The little guy and daddy were out in the driveway riding bikes and scooters.

It seems like it's been a very long winter and I think it's been colder this year than in recent years.

And Friday is the Spring Equinox!!

Memory Verse Week 11

I really like this memory verse for the week.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (New King James Version)

16 These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away........

Back in 1977, for some reason, I didn't ever get into watching Star Wars. I must have been busy with other things.

When the three new episodes came out in the 1990's, my daughter was interested in them and I think we had the video tapes of the three earlier movies. She went to the theater and watched the new movies. I still never did.

It wasn't until very recently that I watched all six movies.

This week my husband had Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off from work. It just so happened that we didn't have much going on so we took the opportunity to watch five of the six movies.

My little guy enjoyed them too and got to see how his light saber actually works!

So for a few afternoons we watched five of the six movies and I got to find out why Darth Vader went to the dark side and ended up like he ended up.

And to think it only took thirty-two years for me to watch all the movies!!!
I actually have enjoyed watching them all.

There was one we couldn't find immediately and I found it today. It is the Phantom Menace and we will be watching that this weekend probably.

May the Force be with you.......................................LOL

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

*Entering my sons fifth year, it's so exciting to see him grow
*for my daughter being able to come and spend some time with her little brother. He adores her
*for memories of loved ones gone now
*for friends
*for the sunshine. Even if it's cold, the sun can be shining and all is well!
*that my husband continues to have his job and is even able to work overtime

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Proverbs 14:15-16 (New King James Version)

15 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.

Proverbs 20:7
7 The righteous man walks in his integrity;
His children are blessed after him.

March Blanket

Another Shawl.

This one is made with Homespun "Tudor". I've made a shawl with this yarn before.

It is 20 inches wide and 77 inches long.

I will be turning this one in tomorrow night along with the other three I posted about.

The prayer shawl ministry meets once a month.

Memory Verse Week 10

Proverbs 5:21

For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord and he examines all his paths.

March Blanket

Another shawl for the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

This is made with Homespun Parfait. It is 71x35.

I saw this beautiful color at Walmart. I had never seen this color before so I bought enough for two shawls.

I think it's a beautiful shawl!

Thankful Thursday

Today, our hostess for Thankful Thursday is Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage and her topic this week is Wisdom.

The Bible is full of verses about wisdom, especially throughout the Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding

I often pray for wisdom because I know I need it. I know of some people that are filled with wisdom and I turn to them as examples. I believe that a person doesn't necessarily need to be older to have wisdom.

This week I am thankful for

*Gods grace and mercy
*my family
*faith

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Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.His praise endures forever.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
*my friends

March 4, 2004

Today my little guy is a FIVE year old!!

It's seems nearly impossible that five years ago I gave birth to him but it is true.

His babyhood and toddlerhood are gone and he is a big little boy.

Each year we write him a letter. I still have to write my part, but my husband wrote his part a few days ago. We will continue with the letters till the little guy is 21, then we will give him the letters to read.

He has known for a long time that today is his birthday and he is excited. We are going out to eat at one of his favorite places and big sister will be there too.

On Sunday we will have a family party for him. Most all of his cousins will be there and he just loves all his cousins.

It will be a good day for the little guy!

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1 Samuel 1:20
So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”

Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Memory Verse Week 9

Proverbs 4:24

Put away perversity from your mouths;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

March Blanket

Another Shawl.

It's made with Homespun Gothic which is a beautiful purple color.

This shawl is 81 inches wide by 39 inches long. It's a little bigger than what the pattern calls for but I believe you can't have a shawl that is too big!

RIP

Paul Harvey died yesterday.

I often enjoyed listening to him. How sad that he is gone.

Wiki